On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me … four calling birds
Colly bird is an archaic name for a blackbird. “Colly”, meaning “coal-black,” is derived from the Old English word for coal (‘col’), which also gave us ‘collieries’. Hence “coal black birds”. Over time, the term ‘colly bird’ became less common and latterly it was changed to “calling birds”.
The original lyrics for ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ date from around 1780, and included “colly birds” as the fourth day’s gift. In more modern versions, the line was updated to the more familiar “four calling birds”. And with it was lost the original specific meaning. Some believe the four birds symbolise the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Turdus merula
The blackbird (turdus merula) is also called common blackbird, Eurasian blackbird and European blackbird. It is a species of thrush. The RSPB report that there are between five and six million pairs of breeding blackbirds in the UK. They are increasingly predated by sparrowhawks visiting gardens, and by cats, but currently blackbirds are Green listed, meaning their conservation status is of least concern. While blackbirds are highly territorial, it is possible to see a merl of blackbirds.
Worldwide, the blackbird population is large, consisting of over one hundred million birds. They are found on every continent.
During the winter months, the UK’s resident population is joined by a significant influx of blackbirds from Scandinavia and the Baltics. A common observation among birdwatchers is that these winter visitors have darker, more blackish bills than the local adult males.
Beak colouration
The explanation for the variance in beak colour is primarily because a substantial proportion of these migrants are first-winter males. Bill colour is related to age. Their beaks have yet to turn bright yellow or orange.
Blackbirds in the UK with glossy black plumage and yellow beaks are typically adult males. Females are brown in colouring with streaking on their chests and duller beaks. Juveniles (both sexes) have dark beaks that gradually turn yellow as they mature.
The bright yellow/orange beak and eye-ring in the male blackbird signals health and fitness to females, and stronger colours indicate better condition and immune function. There is a common belief that it is the carotenoids found in their food which is good for both beak colour and fighting disease.
Calling songbirds
If you see a black bird with a yellow beak in the UK, singing from a high perch it’s almost certainly a healthy, adult male common blackbird, turdus merula. The female’s harmonious song is softer.
Blackbirds are monogamous and pairs usually stay together for life. Courtship displays begin in February and in warmer weather you may see these birds take a sunbath. Flattened on the warm ground, they’ll spread their wings and tails with their beak open and their head inclined.
Blackbirds are a part of our gardens throughout the year, including Christmas. With their range of different phrases, they are one of our favourite garden songbirds. So when you sing the fourth verse of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, think of the male blackbird with its lovely yellow beak and ring around the eye. With their sweet fluting melody we all know so well, these calling birds bring a comforting and heartwarming end to the day for us all.
P.S. And if you are reading this with a glass of red wine merlot in your hand, the grape’s name merl stems from the Latin word for blackbird – merula. So maybe this Christmas you’ll actually be savouring a festive glass of blackbird red – Merry Christmas!
Tomorrow: Five gold rings …
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